Annual Events

These events take place every year and commemorate specific human rights events.

Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

In order to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), CIHR has an annual event in early December. The UDHR was adopted on December 10, 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly and is the foundation of International Human Rights Law. Its creation stems from the experience of human rights violations that occurred throughout the world during World War II. The UDHR consists of 30 articles and when combined with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is known as the International Bill of Rights. As the UDHR is the foundation, its anniversary is commemorated annually on December 10th, which has been dubbed Human Rights Day.

CIHR uses the annual commemoration of the event to explore new areas in human rights and celebrate the progress that has been made since 1948. More information can be found about each of the events by clicking below.

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8th, is an official day that celebrates women while also reflecting on the unique challenges that women face. IWD, in its current form, has officially existed since 1976 when the UN declared passed it by resolution. The history of “women’s day” dates back to the early 20th century in many Communist and Socialist countries where the day celebrated women’s contribution to society, similar to the western mother’s day. The modern celebration of IWD centers around a theme, announced several months prior, and the days surrounding IWD are filled with events and workshops focused on women’s issues around the globe.

CIHR began commemorating IWD in 2010. It constructs an event based upon the theme designated by the UN and explores a specific dimension of the theme in the event. More information can be found about each of the events by click below.